Photo by Iuliia Nedrygailova
Serves 8
1 pound ziti pasta
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups marinara sauce (about 32 ounces), store-bought or homemade
Cooking spray
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook pasta according to instructions, and drain.
In a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground beef, breaking into smaller pieces, and cook until brown. Push meat to sides of pan, creating a well, and add onion. Saute until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, basil, Italian seasoning and red pepper, and stir to combine. Add marinara, and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add pasta to sauce, and stir to combine.
Spray bottom and sides of a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour half of pasta-sauce mixture into prepared dish, and cover with half the mozzarella; repeat layers. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly, about 25 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil.
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Recipe tip
Making homemade garlic bread
Start by melting 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan, over medium-low heat. Add 2 finely minced or grated garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine. Split an Italian or French bread loaf in half horizontally. Using a pastry brush or spatula, spread butter-and-garlic mixture over each half of the bread. Close the loaf, wrap it in foil, and bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes, and cut into 2-inch-thick slices.